ContentsPage NumberWelcome and Introduction 3Studying Paediatrics at Trinity College 4Mission Statement 4Educational objectives 4Aims <strong>of</strong> the paediatric course 5Structure <strong>of</strong> the Course 6Content <strong>of</strong> the Course 6Lectures 9Paediatric Out-Patient List NCH 12Guidelines for Clinical Examination <strong>of</strong> Children and Dress Code 13Typical student day 15Examinations and Assessments 15Course Appraisal 18Recommended Reading List 19Library facilities 20How to Get to the Hospital 20Parking 20Appendix A Dress Code 22Appendix B Multiple Choice Examination with Sample Questions 23Appendix C Guidelines for Students at Examination 26Conduct <strong>of</strong> Examinations 282
Welcome and Introduction to the Department <strong>of</strong> PaediatricsThe Department <strong>of</strong> Paediatrics is based in the National Children’s Hospital in Tallaght and is part <strong>of</strong>the Adelaide and Meath Hospital Dublin incorporating The National Children’s Hospital (AMNCH).Paediatrics involves the medicine, surgery and psychology <strong>of</strong> the newborn, the infant, the toddler andthe child up to the age <strong>of</strong> 18 years.The National Children's Hospital has a long history <strong>of</strong> expertise in the training <strong>of</strong> clinicalpr<strong>of</strong>essionals. It is the oldest paediatric teaching hospital in Ireland and the UK and has a longassociation with Trinity College, dating back to 1821 and has held the chair <strong>of</strong> paediatrics since1960. A major objective <strong>of</strong> The Hospital since its foundation is the training <strong>of</strong> medical and nursingstudents and it has a recognised tradition <strong>of</strong> excellence in paediatric teaching.The aims <strong>of</strong> paediatric education are to provide knowledge, skills and attitudes, with a caring, child andfamily centred approach in an enjoyable and rewarding manner. Students are encouraged to develop alife-long commitment <strong>of</strong> self-learning and to become compassionate, caring, competent, and efficientdoctors, with well developed communicating skills. The Department <strong>of</strong> Paediatrics conducts, promotesand supports many national and international research programmes.The Paediatric undergraduate course comprises <strong>of</strong> an eight week comprehensive teaching programme,with lectures, presentations, roundtable discussions, evidence based projects and small group bedsideclinical teaching. The Department supports the philosophy <strong>of</strong> self-directed and life-long learning.Whilst students retain responsibility for their learning, this is supported by the extensive teachingprogramme and by the staff. Students are encouraged to supplement the programme provided withpersonal study and research. The course is provided in The National Children’s Hospital AMNCHTallaght and in addition students have a two week attachment at Our Lady's Children’s HospitalCrumlin and neonatal paediatric teaching is delivered at the Coombe Women's Hospital and at theRotunda Hospital. A number <strong>of</strong> visits to other healthcare institutions are also provided. All members <strong>of</strong>the medical staff are committed to ensuring that you have an enjoyable and instructive attachment. Wewelcome your opinions and value your appraisal <strong>of</strong> the course. If you have any queries or problemsplease let us know.Dr Edna Roche, Senior Lecturer, Head <strong>of</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Paediatrics, 01 896 3763Dr Judith Meehan, Lecturer01 896 3771 jmeehan@tcd.ieDr Anne Marie Murphy, Lecturer 01896 3771 murpha43@tcd.ieMs Siobhan Tynan-O Mahony, Executive Officer and Secretary 01 896 3763Ms Sandra Kenny, Executive Officer and Part-Time Secretary 01 896 3747 s.kenny@tcd.ieDepartment <strong>of</strong> PaediatricsTrinity Centre for Health SciencesNational Children’s HospitalTallaght, Dublin 243